Socotra Island, Yemen - Step Into Another World | 4K Cinematic

A Film by​ ‪@piersonx‬ and ChelseaKauai
Socotra island is a place most have never heard of. It holds a strange sense of peace and quiet, 400 kilometers off the coast of the Yemeni mainland closer to Somalia. While an extremely tragic civil war has been happening on mainland Yemen since 2014 Socotra has remained safe and largely insulated from the conflict - yet also mostly cut off from rest of the world.
Its isolation, both historically and currently, are somewhat of a gift. For nature lovers it is one of the most unique and still untouched destinations in the world. Socotra has been called "the Galapagos of Arabia”. In 2008 it was recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site because of its biodiversity with rich and distinct flora and fauna: 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species found nowhere else on Earth.
We had the chance to visit for one week on a tour with Welcome to Socotra where we camped all around the island. Our intention with this film was to capture the beauty of the natural landscapes - the alien looking Dragon trees, emerald colored fresh water canyons, and snow like sand dunes - and the way those landscapes evoke a kind of otherworldly magic so unlike what most people think of when they see the word Yemen.
It’s my favorite trip I’ve been on in a very long time. Everything is the way the nature, the winds, the water have created it.
Take a walk with us.
Find more of our work at:
/ chelseakauai
/ piersonx
To book the tour we did go to: www.welcometosocotra.com
We had an incredible time and highly recommend them.
Conscious clothing by demobaza.com
MUSIC:
The Wheat by Lisa Gerrard, Gavin Greenaway, The Lyndhurst Orchestra
open.spotify.com/track/5PLUnN...
Gravitational Forces by ITG Studios
open.spotify.com/track/0khxy4...
Flame by Artbat
open.spotify.com/track/2TyyNt...
Foundation by BRONSON & ODESZA
open.spotify.com/track/5t3CeZ...
Monarch by David A Molina
open.spotify.com/track/2aeLxC...
Choir to the the wild by Solomon Grey
open.spotify.com/track/1W4uQY...
Endymion by Ursine Vulpine
open.spotify.com/track/3pJ0aY...
Far Away by Junip
open.spotify.com/track/3YlFtz...
For an in-depth documentary:
• Socotra - The treasure...
Two blogs on responsible tourism/ecotourism in Socotra and things to know:
annaeverywhere.com/socotra-is...
www.myfreerangefamily.com/tra...

[@Akhjar7161]

This feels like heaven on earth. May Yemen see peace again.

[@Sigma.674]

Israël and US don't want us to live in peace

[@mohamedwaititi6192]

This place is not even close to Yemen why is it part of failed state how did that happen

[@Akhjar7161]

@@mohamedwaititi6192 Not even close to Yemen? Really?

[@daviroza4700]

@@Akhjar7161it’s much closer to Africa

[@bhk_19]

​@@mohamedwaititi6192Yemen is not a failed state, but 17 countries waged war against it in order to achieve their ambitions on Yemen.

[@rakan.alm96]

As a Yemeni videography enthusiast whos war-torn country only attracts media attention because of the atrocities that are being committed there, it’s evidently easy to ignore the unaffected hidden gem of our country and I have a high level of respect and admiration for your unique take of presenting the island’s true beauty. I’ve always wanted to film it but haven’t got to visit it it. Everything from the perfectly executed transitions to the narration was incredible. Thanks a lot 👏🏼.

[@lamodification]

But the sexy lady is haram 🖖

[@bugzyhardrada3168]

"A Yemeni videography enthusiast" Now that's a pretty epic sentence. My dyslexic ass approves of this statement wholeheartedly

[@Antares-vj7su]

@Una Lily that's a childish mindset that works only in Disney movies. You don't mind following a culture and rules that literally goes against every basic human rights and see as enemies other religions/cultures? yeah let's see how modest you are now

[@vikas.sangwan]

@@bugzyhardrada3168 😂

[@vikas.sangwan]

❣

[@salman3leyan]

I am a Yemeni filmmaker and storyteller and let me say that this is the best project ever that shows the beauty of our island. So much efforts, thank you very much ❤️

[@centurione6489]

I am sure that the Yemeni religious police wouldn't mind a foreign woman dressing and behaving like this. 🤣

[@salman3leyan]

@@centurione6489 Fortunailty, we don't have them here in Socotra Island, otherwise you will not be able to come or even see like these projects. Those mostly are locating in the north side of Yemen.

[@user-yx4bt5wq7g]

I am too

[@yementribez3362]

​​@@salman3leyan shame on the socotrians for allowing a naked woman to walk around. No respect for themselves there families or the rest of yemen

[@daviroza4700]

@@salman3leyan of course cause Socotra is not even close to Yemen it’s stolen from Somalia and illegal Yemeni settlements on African island

[@MZouba]

On behalf of all Yemeni people I wanna say thank you for showing our beauty and thank you for this amazing video

[@yementribez3362]

On behalf of the real yemenis. This is haram. Don't walk around naked again. Show some respect to our families

[@daviroza4700]

How do you feel Yemen stealing African island this is modern day robbery

[@elmisticco]

*On behalf of the entire people of Yemen 🇾🇪, we immensely thank you from the deepest depth of our hearts for this magnificent work. You’re a beautiful person inside out as showcased by this masterpiece. We love you ❤️ 💕 💗 😘😍🥰 and we welcome you not just Socotra, but to the entire you Yemen and you are now one of us. 🎖️🎗️🏆*

[@IBNHATTUTA]

This is a masterpiece 😍👏🏼👏🏼 Loved every shot, music, sound effects, grading, everything! Just wow

[@deepsea3872]

سلام عليك صديقي،أنا من متابعيك،شكرا على المحتوى

[@centurione6489]

I am sure that the Yemeni religious police wouldn't mind a foreign woman dressing and behaving like this. 🤣

[@adnanrabeaadnan7829]

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته شكرا لك اخي والله بعد زيارتك للجزيرة زاد الزوار اتمنى لك التوفيق والنجاح في حياتك الله يبارك فيك.

[@osamaalkebsi112]

You are awesome 👍🏻 we love you from Yemen @Ibn Hattuta Travels

[@myrnajay2785]

The "modeling" kind of cheapened it for me. A stunning place !!!

[@marwanalmarsh268]

Thank you for the beauty of your work in my country, Yemen 🇾🇪♥️

[@i06]

اللهم أعد إلامن والامان لموطني اللهم السلام 😢 🇾🇪

[@berndhofmann752]

Das wünsche ich mir auch!!!! Yemen hat so eine einzigartige Kultur! Und Sokotra sowieso. Gott schütze den Yemen und Sokotra. ❤❤❤❤

[@gdlmao]

*travels to one of the most remote corners of the world full of unique culture, landscapes, plant and animal species found nowhere else* "HOW CAN I MAKE THIS ABOUT ME?”

[@arnobax7953]

Exactly what I thought. Man!

[@BrionneOlsen]

My gosh 😯! Is this all in one location? It's like visiting multiple countries on a tiny remote island. Wow, this is amazing.

[@Carolinagiraldov]

Can’t remember when was the last time I saw something SO BEAUTIFUL. This video has to be a trailer of a movie. You guys are so incredible talented together. What a way to show a place, what a way to inspire and make us feel the emotion. 9 minutes it’s not enough 💘

[@vikas.sangwan]

[@koldstudios]

amazing work guys!! this is truly a masterpiece! 👏🏽👏🏽

[@aimanalhaj6200]

I'm a big fan of your great videos. I hope you'll visit my country, Yemen, Socotra Your filming of a video of Socotra Island means a lot to us

[@TheMuseOnline]

This is probably THE most perfect cinematography I have seen in a travel video! Absolutely breathtaking! Take a bow 🙏🏼

[@mohamedalmotawah2717]

I can’t describe how awesome is this video. Probably the best travel video I’ve ever seen. The video is so special and inspirational. 😍😍

[@bryn]

Damn!!! Well done Chels and Pierson 👏, this is beautiful.

[@NikkiTomlin]

The face plant into the sand sent me hahahahah Aside from the solid giggle this film truly floored me. I had chills from the first second. The visuals, the sound design, the beauty of Socotra, literally everything is SSSOOOOOOO good. Endless amounts of inspiration and now a desire to visit this beautiful place. Well done you two!!!

[@buddhajesuschrusthole]

This was actually insane videography and I really feel like this looks like another planet. I want to go there now, too!!! Beautiful experience LOL and it gave me chills watching thissss!!

[@moamatic]

I'm from Yemen. And I've been to socotra Island when i was a kid. I live in NYC now. But this amazing piece of art has brought me back some amazing memories and made me yearn to go back home. Thank you Chelsea 🌹❤️

[@MrCanada1]

و كيف الحياه بنيويورك ؟ جميله؟

[@AnsarAisha1446]

@@MrCanada1نا اعيش ايظاً في نيوريوك. من وجهه نظري لا ، نيوريورك مناسبه للأغنياء ، اما العاديون فا الشقق غاليه جداً وصغيره جداً . هناك مدن افضل في امريكا وولايات احسن من وجهة نضري

[@MrCanada1]

@@AnsarAisha1446 صحيح كاليفورنيا و اريزونا و تكساس اسمع يمدحونها العرب . فعلا اسمع نيويورك غاليه جدا ولكن برضو اسمع انها جميله و ممتعه بس زحمه

[@MrCanada1]

@@AnsarAisha1446 انا عايش بكندا وبحس ان أمريكا احسن بكتيييير

[@daviroza4700]

This is bro Yemen This is beautiful africa this is soamlia

[@anwersenan]

Unbelievable Scenes 😍 Socotra, Yemen 🇾🇪

[@daviroza4700]

Stolen from Somalia 😏 it’s not even close to Yemen modern day robbery and illegal Yemeni settlement

[@JustinYiseverywhere]

Socotra Somalia 🇸🇴 not even close to Yemen modern day robbery of African territory

[@kingofwars9756]

​@@JustinYiseverywhere Go to sleep 😂 Soctra for Yemen thousands of years

[@MatthewParkes247]

It’s hard to fathom a single video that is both at the same time, so incredibly well shot, beautiful and a love story to the region, whilst also being so incredibly over glorified, and indulgent with silly and obscure costumes, that have limited context for why they are in the shot. I understand the need to put a person into a landscape shot, it anchors you into the situation, but I almost get Priscilla Queen of the Desert vibes of the juxtaposition of a ridiculous outfit in a stunning environment.

[@juliakallweit5378]

The shots you guys have taken are insane 🤯 ..like whaaaat! Such an art piece. Can totally feel how much of your soul you’ve been pouring into this. So inspiring

[@Deathsead747]

I swear this video was so majestically crafted, perfectly capturing the raw beauty of this hidden gem and that music gave me literal goosebumps. I wish I can visit Yemen and this beauty one day.

[@justkayy]

You guys nailed this!!

[@jasminejas8078]

The framing, the audio design, the composition... everything! Every detail and effort that went into the creative process is so apparent!! What a masterpiece!!!

[@caseybalon]

That tempo change around the 7-minute mark is everything - a doorway into the next era of the piece. I have head to toe shivers watching this. "It's a privilege to spend time in a place whose rawness makes me incredibly humbled, simple, human." Thank you for sharing your medicine.🌎💙

[@vikas.sangwan]

[@mercurius8725]

Our medicine is your medicine 🇸🇴💙

[@mirandamaria]

oh Chelsea. thank you, thank you, thank you for this offering. my heart longs so deeply for Yemen, for a reason only God knows. I cried so much watching this. you shared this in such a needed time for me, it serves as such a strong confirmation that it is possible to visit this land, and it is not only possible, but an incredible gift and honour to.

[@vikas.sangwan]

❣💯

[@Zerompe]

مرحبا بك في بلدك الثاني اليمن❤

[@paulabatalha4270]

I get goosebumps every time I watch this video! What a masterpiece. My partner is Yemeni and he was so happy to see your content as well

[@AmarreMoha]

This was an amazing clip, from the color grading to every little cut, and it made Socotra the dreamy paradise it is, i couldn't decide to learn from this masterpiece or indulge in this beautiful scenery.

[@TheBrownVanlife]

Amazing visuals! I want to see more of the locals and life. Last 2 mins are the best ❤️

[@ChelseaKauai]

Thanks so much! I included a link to a fully documentary about Socotra in the description if you’re looking for more of that style of in depth local content :)

[@ceceliaonthego]

So good! Love the combination of mystery and fun balancing the art with the artist. You rock

[@akramalshuhary2640]

شيء لايصدق أن نرى جزيرة سقطرى بهذا الجمال والخيال وبهكذا تصوير الذي أظهرها بكل تفاصيلها.

[@SethBishopMusic]

It’s so sad that KZbin/social media will push the dumbest videos meanwhile art like this channel gets buried. This video was incredible

[@JJ_Magnificent]

So incredibly moving and absolutely stunning!! So beautiful thank you so much, amazing work!! ❤️

[@natquinones_]

What an amazing way you have to create, thanks for making us travel with you with this masterpiece and fill us with so much inspiration ❤️‍🔥

[@jaxon_roberts]

Wowwww guys this is unreal. Everything from the storytelling to the cinematic visuals is perfectly on point! Will be watching this on repeat all day ✨

[@user-fn4lm9jb6s]

انه واقعي وحقيقي اذهب لهناك وسترى

[@DanielTremsky]

It’s crazy how good this is. Absolutely stunning!

[@pranalis2159]

Omg I m spell bound , this is too good to be true , the white sand dune drone zoom out shot out of the world . Behind the scene was icing on the cake. And the background score totally mesmerising . You guys 🙌

[@benowa]

I really love this video, it almost feels like a meditation. This island is so beautiful, you captured it really well! :) Well done and thank you for sharing this with us! 💛

[@ChelseaKauai]

Ohhh a meditation yes love that!! Speaking to my soul

[@pomchi13]

So proud of you Chelsea. Love seeing you living your dreams, creating amazing work and being you.

[@kirstikaptein5909]

I’ve been following you for many years, and somehow you continue to produce increasingly outstanding visuals that encapsulate the enthusiasm and energy that comes with being a human connected to everything around us. Thank you for existing and sharing your spark ♥️

[@hephaestusfortarier249]

His name is Sam

[@nemanjastudovic]

Now this is pure art in a visual form...thank you 🖤

[@TonyMarikVideos]

I am in awe by realizing how much can be done in the world of cinematography

[@economicblast]

loved this. Pierson falling face-first while running down the dunes was the highlight of this video.

[@sarahbellealferos7330]

Everything you guys create is so intentional, pure, original, and really honors these sites. Amazing work!

[@thinkaboutit1377]

Yo this is crazy. I literally just got a KZbin short about Somotra and just searched it immediately and to find this video posted only 2 days ago 🤯 this video is absolutely stunning i am so inspired I felt so much calming peace and grounding from this video you are an amazing content creator I am a fan for life ❤️‍🔥

[@andreasmangeng4307]

Ist Socotra

[@clehunnigan8805]

What an amazing destination video! I love the vibey outtakes ending too!

[@ChelseaKauai]

The outtakes were my favorite part of the whole video haha

[@zuzana.miraka]

Incredible! Thank you for introducing us this magical place ❤

[@cody3112]

Couldn’t have been better! Remarkable cinematic experience. Definitely saw your eye for the DUNE shots 👍🏽 this is how you promote traveling.

[@blackpic471]

I,m a yemeni citizen. I wish the best for my country nd I hope one day visit this island. It,s amazing ❤

[@SaraEsmaeili]

Wow! I don’t know what to say! I started crying for all this beauty Mother Nature gives us! 🤍 Girl you’re stunning! Keep going and spread your lights 🤍

[@be_mesmerized]

I’m speechless after watching this video 😮 Can’t remember when was the last time I saw something this beautiful. Not only because of amazing cinematography, but the nature of Socotra. You guys made an incredible film, and these 9 minutes passed so quickly. Well done 👏

[@ChelseaKauai]

Ahhh we love hearing that!!! Thank you

[@hamzahacker1]

Breathtaking Best island in the world And best people ever Love 💗 from Morocco 🇲🇦

[@urbanshutterba]

INCREDIBLE. I didn´t know about this place, simply amazing and the way you captured, its feels son natural, son simple and epic at the same time. Have a good one Chelsea!

[@YemEn-qf9iq]

As a Yemeni citizen, I would like to thank you for visiting our country. I hope that you spent an enjoyable time on the island and that you convey to the world a beautiful image of our country again. Thank you.

[@josiesjournals]

This is STUNNING!! What an inspiration! I love how you capture the emotion and nail the storytelling, and the visuals and color grading are perfection. I started filming this past year and have have found your value of “play” to be so incredible helpful. The starting process is hard and the perfectionist in me never finds them good enough. But letting myself play and experiment and follow joy has been so impactful. Thank you for continuing to inspire everyday:)

[@ChelseaKauai]

Wow Josie thank you so so much I feel so much satisfaction knowing that I’ve been able to be a little spark on your creative journey!! Play is essential. Thank you for being here!

[@josiesjournals]

@@ChelseaKauai you endlessly inspire! sending you love today, you are a beautiful soul doing beautiful work:)

[@centurione6489]

I am sure that the Yemeni religious police wouldn't mind a foreign woman dressing and behaving like this. 🤣

[@ExpatNatt]

Wow this is incredible! I don’t often see videos for Yemen so thank you for sharing. It is so beautiful ❤

[@skyeleach6010]

Stunning, THE FOREST - the movie like production - THE EVERYTHING. The human, goofy, real life touches at 7 minutes! You guys did amazing with this one!

[@user-jb5eq2ry4p]

Thank you for creating this masterpiece

[@ianschepers]

Insane! 😵‍💫😍❤️‍🔥 Amazing work by you guys. LOVE IT!

[@swilson-738]

This is so well shot and done wtf 😭 I love Socotra, I really wanna go at some point, my family (Coptic) lived in Yemen for a while... Seeing this kinda stuff makes me forget about the war

[@toddiebee]

Chelsea, there isn't a single of video of yours that hasn't given me goosebumps and left me with so many big ideas and feelings to think about after. I've been a big fan of your creative work for years and am amazed with how your cinematography is constantly improving. Thank you for being such a big inspiration to myself and others, and for your countless insights into mindfulness and sustainability.

[@laitoo_da_vinci]

Can I call you dopamine..?? 😐

[@laitoo_da_vinci]

Because since I saw you for the first time, I have felt the desire to live again.. 🤕

[@lizmu]

Stunning masterpiece!! This place is magical, so unreal. Love the work done in this production, the transitions, the music, the script, the details... On the other side of the story It is sad to hear that till this day Yemen is suffering a humanitarian crisis. I really believe Yemen is a hidden gem and hope one day it can be free from the bad people. It is now in my bucketlist to visit it, didnt know it had this stunning places. Keep the good work for you and your team on the next adventures!

[@JoshuaFarrer]

Love it guys!! The colors, storytelling and vibes >>>

[@libaaxdaalay2881]

Scotra is nearby Somalia 🇸🇴 but Is a part of Yemen 🇾🇪 my second home land Salaam Yemen people from Somalia 🇸🇴

[@safif2597]

We love all brother from Somalia. The most friendely people i know

[@rycherrya5035]

I haven't seen a video this beautiful in a while. It brought me to tears. I'm currently going through depression and this made me want to stay a lil while longer 🥺. Thank you for this masterpiece

[@user-xr9yv5gw1y]

Thank you❤❤❤

[@marcclarke8986]

I have never felt more excited !

[@antoinegoumas]

Almost impossible to find the words! It is hard to believe all this was filmed on a single island. Thank you for the piece of art

[@user-kd6ql1rz9b]

I am from Yemen, and for the first time I have seen work at the peak of creativity, including filming, editing and everything, in Socotra ❤❤ Governorate I salute you for this great work You honored us with your visit to Yemen, with the hope that I will meet you again for your visit to Socotra❤

[@tbaum101]

Just learned of this island and had to see more. Love your video. It's good to see people happy and enjoying the world and not complaining about everything and everyone. You got a new sub here.

[@abilashkp2243]

This is absolutely class one .. truly amazing

[@ganzvfx]

Wow what a beautiful masterpiece…. Thank you for makin this …

[@Brigette792]

Every single minute of it is a piece of ART! Amazing job guys!

[@Mo-pk6iz]

Wow incredible. Thank you for showing this side of Yemen

[@itaibar8909]

So much raw talent for these young travelers making it happen, amazing visuals and audio, super talented team! Thank you!

[@MriduNeog]

what a beautiful place! Straight up seems like a different planet. Kudos to you two for capturing it so beautifully. 🙌

[@damiansciberras3020]

Wow, I enjoyed every second of this.

[@querenabreu1025]

Omg!!! This is beyond fantastic!!!❤

[@julianaisis1]

What amazing video! I really love it! thanksss

[@mikeydelacruz7973]

The scenery looks like straight out of a movie. Amazing!

[@ltdada74]

maybe it's because it is a movie...?

[@joescerri8301]

on my bucketlist! Great footage.

[@illuminatingmanuscripts1800]

What a truly mind blowing beautiful video! So many gorgeous views throughout this stunning video! Yemen looks like an absolutely mystical and otherworldly paradise!!✨💚🙏

[@Noblemumin]

Wow what a masterpiece. One of the best shot videos on KZbin by a content creator I’ve ever seen. The location, cinematography, music, aesthetics, colours are all top notch. Amazing amazing work.

[@Bestshotpro]

We where there last year. This vídeo has the best photography~drone that I have seen of the island. What ever you see here that looks wonderful is 300% better in person. So otra is a paradise and Welcome to Socotra the best tour of the region.

[@MonteNecro]

This is by far the best movie about a place i've seen so far. How you keep it genuin while making it a masterpiece of sound, filming, editing

[@renetakirilovaart]

Wonderful, impressive! ❤❤❤ In top 5 of the most beautiful places my eyes have ever seen! 💘Perfect cinematography! Speechless! Blessed.

[@zackplacencia.]

I love the slow pace of the video. Way different than the fast pace videos that have been trending. Awesome shots, great script, loved it

[@kenzohikari]

The whole place is stunningly beautiful! Hats off for sharing! Incredible work!

[@jessmeade9821]

I love your videos so so much. They always give me a since of peace and help me reflect on life and the places I've been. I hope one day to take in the beauty of Yemen and experience all the feelings and emotions you captured in this video. Thanks for sharing your journeys with us! ❤

[@TheMalixi]

Wow.. it’s unbelievable how many emotions could a video give. The fear, the curiosity, the intrigue, the mystery… There were moments I simply wanted to cry. The realisation of beauty of the nature.. that there is something bigger.. wow. Amazing work🙏

[@user-yx4bt5wq7g]

Amazing , thanks for showing the world .

[@purelybeing]

I love it when you and Pierson work together! Stunning stunning stunning!!!

[@marcuswhitemedia]

that was just incredible, so inspiring!

[@furkanali7059]

Amazing video, Beautifully shot

[@KaanSenel]

Woah, this place looks absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Wonderful vid you guys!

[@JColon_]

What an absolute beautiful piece of work 🙌🙌 I loved it so much!

[@daniellemission9649]

This video just blessed my eyes.

[@JCROD5]

What a great video. Awesome job!

[@Arsalophile]

Couldn't even look away for a sec during the whole 9:14 minutes. Every frame is worth a piece of art in itself. Amazingly Captured and presented

[@SrishtiTehri]

So beautifully done!